Defection wave continues, dealing major blow to opposition in the oil-rich state
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered a significant setback in Rivers State with the defection of six of its members in the House of Representatives to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers, all representing constituencies in Rivers State, officially announced their move on Tuesday, deepening the political realignment in the state following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s switch to the APC earlier this month.
The defectors include:
· Dumnamere Dekor (Khana/Gokana)
· Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual and Ahoada East)
· Hart Cyril (Degema/Bonny)
· Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni)
· Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II)
· Felix Nweke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai)
Their exit marks another blow to the PDP’s structure in Rivers, once considered a stronghold of the party. It follows the defection of 15 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly—including the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule—who moved to the APC in late November.
Political analysts describe the move as a coordinated shift, strengthening the APC’s legislative presence both at the state and national levels, while leaving the PDP increasingly weakened in the South-South region.
“This is more than just defection—it’s an institutional collapse of the PDP in Rivers,” said political analyst Dr. Iniobong Usen. “With the governor, majority of state lawmakers, and now federal representatives all in APC, the PDP’s operational capacity in the state is severely diminished.”
The APC has welcomed the new entrants, describing the development as a testament to the party’s growing acceptance and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. The PDP is yet to issue an official statement.
With general elections still years away, the realignment is expected to influence upcoming local polls and governorship calculations, setting the stage for a one-party dominance in Nigeria’s oil-rich heartland.
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